Lighting refurbishment - Coombe Abbey Country Park

Client Overview:

Coombe Abbey Visitor Centre, located in the heart of Coventry, is a popular destination for tourists and local visitors alike. The historic site offers a blend of cultural experiences, exhibitions, and events. As part of a wider initiative to enhance the sustainability and operational efficiency of the visitor centre, the decision was made to replace the existing lighting with more energy-efficient solutions.

Project Objective:

The primary goal of the project was to replace outdated and inefficient lighting with modern LED lighting. This upgrade aimed to reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and improve the overall ambiance of the building. Additionally, to further enhance efficiency, microwave sensors were installed to enable automatic control of the lighting based on occupancy, ensuring the lights are only on when needed.

Scope of Work:

The scope of the project included the replacement of lighting across multiple areas within the Coombe Abbey Visitor Centre.

This encompassed the ground floor visitor area, the mezzanine floor, and the first floor, with particular attention to the following:

• Replacement of existing lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures.

• Installation of microwave sensors for enhanced automation and energy savings.

• Replacement of integral emergency lighting in existing positions.

• Replacement of external emergency lighting at six key fire exit doors.

Key Steps in the Project:

Initial Assessment and Planning:

The repairs and maintenance team from the council, in partnership with an external contractor, conducted an initial survey to assess the current lighting infrastructure. They identified areas where lighting was outdated or inefficient and determined the best placement for the new LED fixtures and sensors.

 Selection of LED Lighting and Sensors:

After the assessment, a range of high-efficiency LED lighting was selected, including fixtures that were compatible with microwave sensors. The decision was made to incorporate these sensors to ensure lighting was automatically activated based on the presence of visitors, maximizing energy savings and reducing manual control.

Installation Process:

Over the course of five weeks, the engineers and contractor worked meticulously through the building to replace the existing lighting fixtures. The work proceeded floor by floor, beginning with the ground floor and then moving to the mezzanine and first floor. The process involved:

- Removing outdated fluorescent or incandescent lights.

- Installing the new LED fixtures and wiring the microwave sensors.

- Ensuring each sensor was calibrated and programmed to detect movement or occupancy in the rooms.

Emergency Lighting Replacement:

As part of the project, the integral emergency lighting was replaced to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These lights were positioned in the same 29 locations as the previous fixtures to ensure no disruption to safety standards. Additionally, the external emergency lighting at six fire exit doors was replaced to improve visibility and safety during emergency evacuations.

Programming and Testing:

Once the new lighting was installed, the engineers and contractor spent time programming the microwave sensors to ensure they worked correctly. Each sensor was tested for proper operation, including occupancy detection and automatic switching of lights based on movement within rooms. The team also tested the emergency lighting system to ensure it would activate as required during power outages.

Completion and Handover:

After five weeks of detailed work, the lighting replacement project was completed successfully. The repairs and maintenance department, along with the contractor, ensured that all systems were tested, fully operational, and met the necessary safety standards.

The project was handed over to the Coombe Abbey Visitor Centre with full documentation and instructions for the ongoing use and maintenance of the new systems.

Outcome:

• Energy Efficiency: The replacement of outdated lighting with modern LED fixtures drastically reduced energy consumption, contributing to the centre’s sustainability goals. The LED lights, paired with microwave sensors, ensured that electricity was only used when needed, further maximizing energy savings.

• Improved Ambiance and Visitor Experience: The new LED lights provided a brighter, more even distribution of light, enhancing the overall atmosphere within the visitor centre. The change contributed to a more welcoming and well-lit environment for guests.

• Cost Savings: With reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs (LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting), the visitor centre is poised to experience long-term financial savings.

• Enhanced Safety: The replacement of emergency lighting and the addition of more reliable external lighting above fire exit doors ensured that the building maintained high safety standards, providing peace of mind to both visitors and staff.

Conclusion:

The lighting replacement project at Coombe Abbey Visitor Centre was a resounding success, meeting all objectives for energy efficiency, safety, and improved visitor experience.

The project, completed in five weeks, not only upgraded the building’s lighting system but also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices and long-term cost savings.

The council’s repairs and maintenance department, with the help of the contractor, delivered a high-quality solution that will benefit the visitor centre for years to come.

If you have a similar project or if you want to find out how R&M can support your organisation please get in touch with a member of our team.